De-Stress the Test

The test. Students dread this phrase, whether it refers to chapter tests, finals, standardized achievement tests, Advanced Placement exams, the ACT and SAT, or other testing experiences. In De-Stress the Test, author Martha Kaufeldt details actionable steps you can take throughout the school year to alleviate student anxiety and create brain-friendly classrooms full of focus and learning.


Leverage brain-based learning to boost student self-efficacy and relieve the pressure and stress that accompany high-stakes testing:

Understand the negative effects tests can have on students, teachers, and parents.
Help students develop social-emotional learning skills and a growth mindset.
Use formative assessments to accelerate learning and build students' confidence.
Implement mindfulness strategies in the classroom to mitigate student stress and anxiety.
Learn long- and short-term practical methods for ensuring students' mental, emotional, and physical readiness for tests.

Contents:

Introduction


Part 1: High-Stakes Tests and Stress

Chapter 1: The Meaning of High-Stakes Tests

Chapter 2: The Stress of High-Stakes Testing


Part 2: Stress Prevention and Management Strategies

Chapter 3: Body- and Brain-Friendly Classrooms and Testing Environments

Chapter 4: The Development of Student Agency Through Self-Efficacy, Growth Mindset, and Perseverance

Chapter 5: Mindfulness Practices for the Classroom


Part 3: Ways to Prepare Students for High-Stakes Tests

Chapter 6: Feedback and Formative Assessments

Chapter 7: Academic Vocabulary Instruction

Chapter 8: Test Prep for Students and Teachers


Epilogue

References and Resources

Index